L’view board talks strategic planning

KELSEY CLEMONS/independent correspondent

The Lincolnview Local Board of Education talked about the district strategic planning process on Tuesday during its regularly scheduled February meeting on Tuesday.

The board first congratulated Van Wert County Spelling Bee champion Kirsten Stemen, runner-up Una VanWynsberghe and third-place finisher Kylee Mongold. All three top spelling bee finishers are Lincolnview students.

Superintendent Jeff Snyder also talked about the strategic planning process coming up, starting next week. The district, in partnership with the Ohio School Boards Association, will conduct four meetings, each lasting from 6-10 p.m., in the Neubrecht Lecture Hall. The dates are Thursday, February 26; Monday, March 9; Monday, March 30; and Wednesday, April 8.

Lincolnview district residents are asked to participate on the Strategic Planning Committee, which Snyder has said will help provide a roadmap for decision-making, school improvement and student success in the district.

During the buildings and grounds report, Snyder updated the board on the new water pump to fix the previous issues. The board also learned of potential improvements to the stereo system in the elementary gym, which the superintendent said would help tremendously for concerts and sporting events.

Farmer Appreciation Night was a huge success and Snyder spoke of the large number of farmers who stood in recognition during the game.

“Seeing them stand speaks volumes for our community,” the superintendent noted.

High School Principal Brad Mendenhall reported that the “dress rehearsal” for computer testing was successful. Mendenhall also gave more information about the College Credit Plus program that will be discussed in more detail March 11 at the districtwide meeting. The board also congratulated the high school cheerleaders as they head to the state competition on March 1, and later authorized their overnight stay for the competition.

The board accepted two donations at its meeting. First, Brent and Gayle Harman donated $150 to the Latchkey Scholarship Fund, while the Cooper Family Foundation donated $3,000 to the Lincolnview scholarship fund. The board thanked the donors for these generous donations.

Snyder discussed the possible changes in schedules to come. With the large number of school days missed, other options of how this will be resolved were discussed.

The following coaching contracts were approved: Kylie Snyder, junior high softball; Nikki Staten, assistant softball; and Jeremy Ebel, junior high baseball. Also approved as a volunteer junior high baseball coach was Brian Renner.

The board also accepted Britt Munson’s resignation as boys’ varsity soccer coach, effective immediately.

In other action, the board also:

• Approved the Ohio School Boards Association Business Travel Accident Certificate of Coverage for Snyder and Treasurer Troy Bowersock at a cost of $18 each from March 1 of this year through February 29, 2016.
• Authorized the Lincolnview FFA chapter to attend the State FFA Convention
• Approved supplemental contracts of Stacie Korte for Drama Club and Kinsey Dobbelaere to create high school play sets

The next scheduled Lincolnview Board meeting will take place Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m., in the Neubrecht Lecture Hall.